Mount Isa is located in the Gulf Country region of Outback Queensland. Whether you’re in town for a few days or stopping in on a road trip, from Brisbane along Matilda Way -it’s a place that will certainly surprise you.
Nicknamed the Oasis of the Outback, there’s certainly more than meets the eye out here.
Did you know:
- Mount Isa came into existence because of the vast mineral deposits found in the area and Mount Isa Mines is one of the most productive single mines in the world producing lead, silver, copper and zinc?
- Mount Isa’s economy generates $2.4 billion per year? Just over half of this amount is generated by mining activities, and about 30% of Mount Isa workers are employed in mining or mining-related activities.
- Mount Isa is the largest city in Queensland’s outback and is credited in the Guinness Book of Records as being the largest city in the world in terms of geographic area (40,977 square kilometres)?
- Mount Isa is home to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest rodeo in Australia? This small town more than doubles in size as crowds flood to the famous open-air, red dirt arena to watch non-stop rodeo action.
Here is a list of things you can see and do:
Join Mount Isa’s biggest party
If the words bull riding, whip cracking and tent-boxing perks your ears, put your flannel shirt on, muster your mates and trek your way to the wild west to see the other side of Queensland! Get in the rodeo spirit and enjoy the range of activities from street parades and market stalls to open-air concerts. Now in its 65th year, in 2024 the rodeo will be held from Wednesday 7 to Sunday 11 August. Get your Tickets – Mount Isa Rodeo here.
Lake Moondarra
17 kilometres north of the city centre, this lake is a freshwater fisher’s dream. If fishing isn’t your thing, it’s still worth a visit to soak up the scenery, swim, canoe or simply watch the sunset! You won’t be disappointed — settle in for an afternoon picnic or bring dinner to cook on the free-use barbeques.
Visit a Wartime Underground Hospital
A trip to the hospital isn’t usually on your holiday to-do list but make an exception for this one! Built in 1942 by off-duty miners, it was constructed underground due to the looming threat of aerial bombing during the war.
Hard Times Underground Mine Tour
One of the best things to do in Mount Isa is to throw on a pair of bright orange overalls, gumboots, and a hard hat and go beneath the surface to experience the complexity of a working mine.
Old Mary Kathleen Uranium Mine
Head out of town to another interesting mine site discovered in 1954 and exhausted by 1981. It is an impressive and eerie sight to view the remnants of what this outback city was built on.
Stargaze
Go stargazing like you have never witnessed before. The stars do shine brighter in the outback, after all.
Boodjamulla National Park
Situated 118km north-west of Mount Isa, on the Barkly Highway, this national park is home to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields. Recognised as one of the most important fossil deposits on earth, you’ll find fossils dating back 15-25 million years, representing the evolution of Australian mammals.
It’s certainly worth spending a few days here to explore everything there is to do and to learn why Boodjamulla means ‘Rainbow Serpent Country’ in the local indigenous language.
What to bring
Remember your going into rugged terrain — swap your flip flops for a pair of RM Williams boots and ditch your favourite baseball cap for a wide brim Akubra to protect you from the sun.
Where to stay
Check out these accommodation options in Mount Isa.
Need a 4WD?
Everything Fleet has a reliable and competitive solution for you! We have a large collection of vehicles, including wagons, single cab utes, dual cab utes and canopy models.